Inquiry finds no reason for WA GM compensation scheme

14 February 2019

CropLife Australia welcomes the WA Parliamentary Committee inquiry report into Mechanisms for compensation for economic loss to farmers in Western Australia caused by contamination by genetically modified material in which evidence and common sense has prevailed.

CropLife Australia CEO Matthew Cossey said, “I thank the Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs for their work in this inquiry. I’m very pleased, as will be the West Australian farming sector, that the Committee was guided by the evidence and found there is no systemic GM contamination issue in Western Australia and hence no compensation scheme is required.”

Mr Cossey continued, “This
inquiry was brought on by anti-GM activists peddling a solution for a problem
that doesn’t exist. What the inquiry has found is there is minimal evidence of
contamination by GM crops and absolutely no evidence to suggest that farmers
have experienced economic loss because of it.

“This report again reinforces
the critical principle of coexistence in farming which is vital for WA farming
to grow and become more sustainable into the future.

“Farmers are the experts when
it comes to coexistence of farming practices, and grain handlers the experts at
ensuring sound export, storage and handling practices are followed. Growers and
handlers have proven their abilities, they should be left to get on with their
jobs.

“Of most significance is the
finding: There is no evidence to suggest that economic loss to farmers caused
by contamination by genetically modified material is a widespread or systemic
problem in Western Australia.”

Mr Cossey concluded, “West
Australian growers have embraced GM crops since 2010 because of the agronomic,
economic and environmental benefits they provide. We look forward to more
growers being able to make a choice about growing GM crops without the threat
of a costly and unnecessary compensation scheme hanging over their heads.”